Alert raised as volcano in eastern Indonesian spews fumes, ash

JAKARTA (AFP) Jul 04, 2004
A volcano in eastern Indonesia, Mount Egon, began spewing fumes and ash onto its slopes, prompting authorities to raise the alert level, but there were no report of victims or damage, an official said Sunday.

"Mount Egon started rumbling and belching smoke and ash yesterday (Saturday) as dusk was falling," said Domi Pereira, the Sikka district secretary, speaking by telephone from Maumere, some 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) west of the volcano.

Pereira said authorities had raised the alert level over the 1,703 meter (5,688 foot) volcano by one rung -- still two rungs before an eruption.

He said the ash had only covered areas on the slopes but that there has been no evacuation of the local population.

"We have only warned them to be prepared, while at the same time setting up water tanks and temporary shelters in anticipation of an eruption," Pereira said.

The water tanks were necessary, he said, because the ash had polluted local rivers, the source of water for the population.

Indonesia sits on the "Pacific Rim of Fire" noted for its volcanic and seismic activity. The country has more than 100 active volcanoes.

TERRA.WIRE